October 25, 2012

Jae Crowder impresses Delonte West

WICHITA, Kan. -- Jae Crowder hasn't played in an NBA regular season game yet. But the Dallas Mavericks rookie is already impressing his veteran teammates.

After Crowder had a game-high 21 points, a game-high tying nine rebounds, three assists and two steals during Wednesday's 88-76 loss to OKlahoma City, guard Delonte West couldn't help but heap praise on the forward from Marquette.

"He's going to be a star in this league,'' West said. "You know he has the poise of a vteran in this league.

"For a young guy to come in like that with that type of composure, he has a huge upside.''

Crowder has been so impressive that there's already whispers of him being named as one of the Western Conference representatives in the rookie-sophomore contest during All-Star Weekend, which will be held this season in Houston.